No matter where you go in Orkney, you are surrounded by history. From the very ancient to the more modern, there is something fascinating to see at every turn.
Because the interior of the Ring of Brodgar has never been fully excavated or scientifically dated, its age remains uncertain. However, it is thought to have been erected between 2500 BC and 2000 BC, and was the last of the great Neolithic monuments built on the Ness.
Legend has it that the standing stones are the petrified remnants of giants who were frozen rigid in the ring in which they danced, and that all that remains of the fiddler is the solitary stone – the Comet, which stands nearby.
A much later memorial is the wreck of the royal navy ship Royal Oak, which fell victim to the skill and audacity of U-boat ace Gunther Prien. He slipped through the defences of the Royal Navy's secure wartime anchorage in Scapa Flow in October 1939.
The so-called unsinkable battleship sank in less than 15 minutes with the loss of 833 
lives from the 1,200 crew. Although she is an official war grave, you can take a trip to other wreck sites in Scapa Flow.
In the quiet splendour of St Magnus Cathedral a plaque and memorial bell commemorates those lost in this tragedy.
From legendary giants to watery war graves, Orkney is packed with history. Wherever you go, you'll find traces of the people who've gone before.
Booking directly with NorthLink Ferries on www.northlinkferries.co.uk is cheaper than booking with another website and we never charge for any amendments made 
to your booking!Q: Why visit Scapa Flow?
A: Scapa Flow visitor centre gives people a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Second World War soldiers and sailors who were based there. Many of our visitors are family of service people who were based at Scapa Flow.
Q: Why was Scapa Flow so important?
A: Scapa Flow was the main anchorage of the home fleet and in 1936 Winston Churchill ordered it to be upgraded to store 100,000 tonnes of fuel oil and accommodate 10,000 service personnel, although it ultimately housed 48,000 people.
Q: What can visitors expect?
A: A warm welcome and a great cup of tea! We have a really nice café affectionately known as the NAAFI.
Q: And the exhibition?
A: Like any old soldier, the base likes to tell its story, so it’s all laid out with photographs and words from real people who were there at the time.
